Originally Posted by
Road Fan
I don't think I agree with your second sentence here. I think more trail results in better low-speed stability, at least while climbing.
OK, but having researched this, that's not the consensus. Climbing is different from most low-speed riding. You're using the bars to help generate power by pulling on them, usually while trying to ride in a straight line, which is going to be unhelpful on a low-trail bike which will tend to be more input sensitive at the front.
Generally, low-trail should be more stable (i.e. steer straighter) at low speeds. With high-trail at low speeds, attitude changes (i.e. steering by weight shifting) will be easier, creating a "wobbling" sensation, i.e. less stable. The high-trail bike will be more stable at higher speeds - it will hold a line more easily. Note that your "low-trail" examples - at 50-55 - are in actuality pretty close to neutral.